Ep. 63 A Conversation About Being a Multi-Hyphenate with Michael Kushner

Michael Kushner is one of New York's leading multi-hyphenates, photographer, producer, actor, podcast host, and author. Michael is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association, and has featured in notable performances, including On The Town at Barrington Stage directed by John Rando, Much Ado About Nothing at Barrington Stage directed by Julie Boyd, Sons Of The Prophet at GableStage directed by Joe Adler, and Toxic If Swallowed at Ars Nova directed by Charles Quittner. As a photographer, Michael's work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Tony Awards, and in publications in print and online. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project, a photographic journal of actors prepping for their roles on Broadway. Michael has photographed Idina Menzel, Julie Andrews, and many more notable artists. As a producer, Michael is one of the founding members of Musical Theatre Factory, currently in residency with Playwrights Horizons. He is an Executive Producer on the award winning and EMMY-nominated web series, Indoor Boys, created by Wes Taylor and Alex Wyse. Michael and Wes' short film XaveMePlease, starring Isaac Powell, played Frameline43 Festival in San Francisco and OutFilmFest in CT. He served as Associate Producer on Bernie and Mikey’s Trip to the Moon with 59E59 and Strangemen and Co. Michael is proudly on the Advisory Boards of Out of the Box Theatrics and Wingspan Arts. He is also an investor in Be More Chill on Broadway. Every year, Michael participates in Stage and Screen Sleep Out with Covenant House. He has worked with the youth of Covenant House, NY and helped them create the project I Am Worth It,. Michael and the Broadway Podcast Network launched Dear Multi-Hyphenate, exploring how multidisciplinary artists exist in show business. He is also the creator of his one man show, Moo With Me directed by Max Crumm. Michael is now an Expert Contributor to Backstage. Michael graduated with distinction from Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre.   Hey everyone! Welcome to today’s episode of the Wright Conversations Podcast! For today’s episode, I’m joined by Michael Kushner to talk about being a multi-hyphenate, the sexless actor expectation, and sex and sexuality in the studio. We also talk about Michael’s most incredible shoots, establishing trust and comfort, and get Michael’s advice to aspiring multi-hyphenates. Let’s delve in!   In this Episode You’ll Learn: [01:47] A bit about Michael. [02:52] What is a multi-hyphenate? [08:02] Introducing Rachel. [10:37] Sexless actors. [13:55] Sex and sexuality in the studio. [17:19] Creating comfort in photoshoots. [19:27] What it takes to trust someone. [23:32] Michael’s favorite shoots. [30:02] Michael’s advice to aspiring multi-hyphenates.   Quotes: “We exist as many things, all at once.” [12:32] “Communication and conversation in photoshoots is really important.” [18:22] “A headshot doesn’t belong on your mom’s fridge.” [22:36] “Multi-hyphenating is different to multitalented, multifaceted, and multitasking.” [30:39]   Connect with Michael Kushner Website:            www.michaelkushnerphotography.com.                         www.michaelkushneronline.com. Instagram:          @themichaelkushner. TikTok:              @themichaelkushner. Podcast:            Dear Multi-Hyphenate.   Connect with Rachel Wright Website:            https://rachelwrightnyc.com Instagram:          @thewright_rachel Twitter:              @thewrightrachel   Resources How to Be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business.   Get 20% OFF Your First Order at The Honey Pot! Use Promo Code: Rachel20   WIN A FREE INTIMACY AFTER DARK DECK!   Get 30% OFF the NEW After Dark Deck! Use Promo Code: Rachel   Get your Zumio Discount!   Call to Action Please, if you love this episode, share it with your friends and others. To help this podcast grow, please leave a review, and don’t forget to subscribe.